A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
